We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenny Yanga and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenny, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
At the early stages of my career, as a freelance filmmaker, I was bouncing around from one small project to another. Any opportunites that went my way, I would take to get the experience and just put food on the table. After all the hard-work, I finally got my breakthrough, an opportunity to work on the Amazing Spider man in New York City for about a year. It took me several days to make a decision, and ultimately did not accept it. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make, and just didn’t feel like the right move for me at the time. So I decided to stay in Phoenix, but I am glad I did. Not too long after that, I was offered a position as a lead cinematographer and editor at a local production company, Relentless, Inc. – where I further developed my skills as a filmmaker for 7 years!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a creative is not always easy. I started my career as a film student at Arizona State University, and then worked on numerous pro bono projects so I could get experience and network. One project would lead me onto another, and another — life of a freelancer. I worked many long hours, and sometimes no breaks. I did not have a social life. I honestly almost gave up and every night, I would ask myself, “Is this all worth it?”. But I kept going. I stayed in the profession, not because of money, but because of the craft. I loved filmmaking. I love the art of it and telling stories. I went on to work on some shows, side projects, and few feature films throughout my career, but the turning point for me was getting hired as a lead cinematographer and editor for Relentless, Inc., a Missouri-based production company at the time that relocated to Phoenix. I was working for them for 7 years, and I had the best time there. It was a small company, but we all became super close and travelled the world together to capture the best stories. At the time, I knew I was on the right path, and nothing was stopping me. Working for them helped me become a stronger filmmaker. In 2019, I left Relentless, Inc. and accepted a job as Video Manager for Make-A-Wish® America. 3 years later and I am still working for them and loving it everyday. Working for this organization is so fulfilling. I get to utilize my expertise in video and photo, all while making a difference for wish kids everyday.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am currently located in Tempe, so if it’s during football season, I would definitely take them to a Sun Devils Football game and tailgate. But before the weekend, I would start by taking them to play a little bit of dodgeball where I am one of the league organizers–Cactus Dodgeball. It’s a fun way to meet some local people, throw balls at people and then go to the local bars afterwards. I would also then take them to a nice dinner in Old Town Scottsdale, perhaps Maple & Ash. There are plenty of easy hikes in the valley as well like Camelback and Peralta Trail that I would take them to. Then grab food at Casa Reynoso, where I think has the best Mexican food in town. Frozen Margaritas after a long day hiking!
During the weekend (if summer time), I would take them to a pool party particularly Release Pool Party at Talking Stick Resort, with live DJ’s and such. Then go to either Mill Avenue in Tempe, Old Town Scottsdale or Downtown Phoenix at night. We won’t run out of fun activities with me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people in my life I wanted to give a shout out, but we would be here for a while. First of all my parents for not forcing me to become a nurse and accepted that I wanted to be a creative. My fiancé who has always been there to support me, very patient with my long hours editing and not afraid to tell me if my work is not good yet. I also want to give a shout out to my old employer, Relentless, Inc. who took a chance in me to help them build their brand and produced hundreds of video projects and told countless of stories. I owe them a lot. I am a better filmmaker because of them. Lastly, shout out to my current employer – Make-A-Wish America!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyanga/

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